How can you identify the root cause of a problem in complex architecture projects?

2 Gather data and evidence

The next step is to gather relevant data and evidence to support your problem definition and analysis. What are the sources and types of data available? How can you measure and verify the data? How can you organize and visualize the data? You can use tools such as data collection plans, surveys, interviews, or charts to help you collect and present data in a meaningful way.

3 Identify possible causes

The third step is to identify possible causes of the problem based on the data and evidence. What are the factors and variables that influence the problem? How do they relate to each other and to the problem? What are the assumptions and constraints involved? You can use tools such as cause and effect diagrams, fault tree analysis, or brainstorming to help you generate and evaluate potential causes.

4 Test and validate causes

The fourth step is to test and validate the causes that you have identified. How can you test the validity and reliability of the causes? How can you isolate and eliminate the causes that are not relevant or significant? How can you rank and prioritize the causes that are most likely and impactful? You can use tools such as experiments, simulations, or Pareto analysis to help you test and validate causes.

5 Determine the root cause

The fifth step is to determine the root cause of the problem based on the results of your testing and validation. What is the underlying cause that explains the problem and its symptoms? How can you verify and document the root cause? How can you communicate and justify the root cause to others? You can use tools such as root cause analysis reports, action plans, or presentations to help you determine and communicate the root cause.

6 Implement and monitor solutions

The final step is to implement and monitor solutions that address the root cause of the problem. What are the possible solutions and how do they align with the root cause? What are the benefits and risks of each solution? How can you implement and monitor the solutions effectively? You can use tools such as solution criteria, risk analysis, or feedback loops to help you implement and monitor solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?